They call themselves therapists, counselors and counselors. And up to mischief in free church circles. Their goal: to cure homosexuality. Because for them it is clear: only heterosexuality is wanted by God. Everything else is abnormal. And that’s exactly why they offer gays to reverse them.
Such conversion therapies are banned in Germany or Austria, for example. But not in Switzerland. This is proven by the latest report from the SRF format “Rec”. In the film, the journalist gives himself a false name. As Guido, he turns to several institutions and asks for help with his homosexuality.
And so the reporter meets three people who actually believe they can change Guido’s sexuality. Among them is a nurse who, although she does not have a degree in psychology, has completed training at the Institute for Christian Life and Marriage Counseling ICL. She suspects a problem in childhood, sees it as the root of homosexuality. This could be a problem with the father, for example. But it takes time to figure that out. Around 10 sessions that cost CHF 100 per appointment.
Therapists refer to old psychology theory
The next therapist also believes in a problem in childhood. It is noticeable in the SRF report that the healers refer to the physician and psychologist Alfred Adler (1870-1937). He is considered the founder of individual psychology and published, among other things, the book “The Problem of Homosexuality”.
In it, Adler explains his theory that homosexuality can be triggered in childhood. For example, through the lack of a father figure, or negative experiences with peers of the same sex. To be clear: The theory is long outdated. And: homosexuality is not a disorder or even a disease. But the religious therapists like to refer to Adler and this book.
“I break free from this attraction to men”
At the end of the film, the fake Guido meets a Salvation Army chaplain. She doesn’t want to help the reporter with therapy, but with prayer. The pastor speaks the “healing words” first, after which the homosexual should repeat the prayer. «In your name, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I renounce this attraction to men. I detach myself from it. In the name of Jesus.”
Religious scholar Adriano Montefusco thinks it’s bad that such conversion therapies take place in Switzerland. Especially since the self-appointed therapists have no idea.
But in such free church circles it is not knowledge that counts, but faith. “Everything in this scene is strongly over-formed by an evangelical view of the world and people. It is therefore not surprising that such constructs exist. In the logic of these people, they make sense. Not from a scientific point of view,” says Montefusco to SRF.
Salvation Army does not want to force anything on anyone
The counselors whom the reporter consulted in order to break free of his homosexuality distance themselves from conversion therapies when asked. The Salvation Army also makes it clear that they have nothing to do with polarity reversal and strictly reject such conversion therapies. And of course everyone is allowed to decide for themselves how they want to live.
“If the reporter had come out as a homosexual and expressed the wish to live it out, our pastoral team would have acted differently than shown in the film,” the Salvation Army said.
Neuchâtel wants to prevent “healing therapies” from homosexuals
The canton of Neuchâtel wants to make therapies to change people’s sexual orientation or gender identity impossible. On Wednesday, the Great Council adopted a corresponding motion from the Greens/Labour Party and the SP parliamentary groups with a large majority.
However, the cantonal government proposed an amendment so that it would not be obliged to pass urgent legislation on the issue. The parliamentary groups of the Greens/Party of Labor and the SP rejected this amendment because it restricted the scope of the motion. The MPs finally approved the State Council’s amendment with 44 votes in favour, 41 against and 9 abstentions.
The State Council recalled that, according to the Federal Council, the current legislation can already protect the population from such practices. In 2019, the state government spoke out against a legal ban on so-called conversion therapies, although it denounced these practices.
“No canton has formally passed a law so far,” said State Councilor Florence Nater (SP). “We want to prefer the professional approach and approach lawyers, doctors, social services and religious circles to make clarifications, to carry out prevention and to determine the need for protection.” This does not rule out a legal anchoring in the future.
In several cantons, such as Geneva, Vaud and Basel-Stadt, parliamentary motions have already been submitted or referred to the government to prohibit such “reversal therapies”. In St. Gallen, the cantonal council is expected to deal with the topic this year.
The canton of Neuchâtel wants to make therapies to change people’s sexual orientation or gender identity impossible. On Wednesday, the Great Council adopted a corresponding motion from the Greens/Labour Party and the SP parliamentary groups with a large majority.
However, the cantonal government proposed an amendment so that it would not be obliged to pass urgent legislation on the issue. The parliamentary groups of the Greens/Party of Labor and the SP rejected this amendment because it restricted the scope of the motion. The MPs finally approved the State Council’s amendment with 44 votes in favour, 41 against and 9 abstentions.
The State Council recalled that, according to the Federal Council, the current legislation can already protect the population from such practices. In 2019, the state government spoke out against a legal ban on so-called conversion therapies, although it denounced these practices.
“No canton has formally passed a law so far,” said State Councilor Florence Nater (SP). “We want to prefer the professional approach and approach lawyers, doctors, social services and religious circles to make clarifications, to carry out prevention and to determine the need for protection.” This does not rule out a legal anchoring in the future.
In several cantons, such as Geneva, Vaud and Basel-Stadt, parliamentary motions have already been submitted or referred to the government to prohibit such “reversal therapies”. In St. Gallen, the cantonal council is expected to deal with the topic this year.
At the moment, such conversion therapies are still permitted in Switzerland. But only because Parliament didn’t get to vote on a ban last year. Appropriate advances have already been submitted again. So it should only be a matter of time before such homophobic sessions are put under control. (jmh)